Southwest Participates in the Sickle Cell 5K Walk/Run

Southwest faculty, staff and student participants, along with Rocky the Redbird, gather at the AutoZone Park for the 2012 Sickle Cell Walk.

The Sixth Annual Sickle Cell 5K Run/Walk, sponsored by the Sickle Cell Foundation of Tennessee (SCFT), was held on October 20 at the AutoZone Park. During this annual community service event, Southwest students, faculty and staff were able to exercise, network while enjoying good food, and raise awareness and funds to provide educational and social services for individuals living with Sickle Cell Disease.

Mark Waldren from ABC Channel 24, who is also a Sickle Cell consumer (patient), served as the MC during the walk/run ceremony. Activities that were concurrent with the walk/run included; iron overload screening, sickle cell trait testing and a motorcycle ride in the Memphis community to create a better awareness about Sickle Cell Disease.

Participants from Southwest included students who are Sickle Cell consumers, the staff from Student Disability Services and Admissions and Records, the Science Club and the Employee Wellness Program participants.

Dr. Juliann Waits, department chair of Natural Sciences, completed the race course finishing second place in her category with a time of 43:55.

Associate Professor of Natural Sciences Ken Carpenter serves on the Advisory Council for the Sickle Cell Foundation of Tennessee and is the founder of this annual event.

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Southwest Tennessee Community College is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools to award the associate degree.